Zippers on the ACU shoulder pockets.

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 20:33:39 -0400

I just read this article that said the ACU blouse will now have zippers on the shoulder pockets. What are the thoughts on this, easier to use or not?

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140620/NEWS/306200070/ACU-change-new-shoulder-pockets-zippers

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 9:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 21:03:12 -0400

Ma'am,

Zippered shoulder pockets are already on the A2CUs (Army Aircrew Combat Uniform) and are one of its best features. It's so much quicker and quieter to use the side zipper than the hook-and-loop enclosure on top, plus you don't have to worry about it wearing out as quickly. I give it two thumbs up!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 10:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:50:11 -0400

It's a good idea, but as the debate goes on for a new camouflage pattern I find it difficult to think about investing in a new uniform component cause there is a zipper.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2014 12:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 00:44:59 -0400

This is kind of like putting a new coat of paint on an old car a month before you sell it. Could have been useful years ago perhaps...

We need buttons on the leg pockets so that the pocket will not sag open if you put anything of greater weight than a Kleenex in it. I fiddled around with installing buttons on my trousers. I was a Scout like SSG Stephenson and the velcro was worse than useless. Also eliminate the ties in the pant legs and replace with elastic. This is another alteration that is fairly easy to make, but it is such an improvement that you would think it would be standard.

Also, add pen holes in the right sleeve for those poor left handers out there.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jun 21 at 2014 10:12 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 10:12:43 -0400

My question, before buying yet another edition of the ACU, is when is the new approved utility uniform due to come out/be authorized for wear?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 12:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:52:20 -0400

I don't think this should be a change, specially not now or yet. I think the Army needs to fix the Camo issue before they start re-adjusting the pockets and what not. I'ts not like they had 10 years to fix this, lets fix one bad idea with another one.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 5:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 17:19:29 -0400

I think this is another bad idea, besides changing the pocket design which was made that way for a reason and tested not only by conventional troops but by SOF who clearly made it work, why are they adding another inch of hook and loop fastening ( Velcro) on the sleeve, just to tailor to the 1st CAV SSI and FWSSI? , cause that's what it seems like, I don't see why we just don't adopt the Brits pocket style or th marines/navy, no velcro and look neat. I do applaud the elimination of the mandarin collar... It is Completely useless, never used and never will. Hopefully we can add rank back there so Soldiers can look at your face now when addressing you rather than the unpolite chest stare.... Just saying and just an opinion.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 22 at 2014 8:27 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 20:27:37 -0400

I will take a zipper over velcro any day. Buttons are ok but they tend to break or fall off. Velcro was just a plain bad idea to begin with. Using zippers are much better barring they don't come off track or break themselves. In all, there are pros and cons to what is best.

Before you know it, the "Good Idea Fairy" might just suggest magnets.